Location: Crop Production and Protection
Project Number: 0500-00053-005-183-G
Project Type: Grant
Start Date: May 1, 2026
End Date: Apr 30, 2030
Objective:
Identify genetic determinants of virulence in Fusarium head blight (FHB) pathogens and enhance resistance screening of U.S. barley germplasm through coordinated NABSEN trials. Generate actionable knowledge to improve disease prediction, breeding selection, and integrated management strategies for reducing FHB severity and mycotoxin contamination.
Approach:
Characterize FHB pathogen diversity, virulence, and toxin production using integrated genomic, phenotypic, and analytical approaches. Coordinate multi-location, multi-year NABSEN trials to evaluate barley germplasm. Integrate pathogen and host data to identify informative markers and support breeding decisions and targeted disease management strategies.